Section 766.002. Smoke Detector Requirement.

(a) Each one-family or two-family dwelling constructed in this state must have working smoke detectors installed in the dwelling in accordance with the smoke detector requirements of the building code in effect in the political subdivision in which the dwelling is located, including performance, location, and power source requirements.

(b) If a one-family or two-family dwelling does not comply with the smoke detector requirements of the building code in effect in the political subdivision in which the dwelling is located, any home improvement to the dwelling that requires the issuance of a building permit must include the installation of smoke detectors in accordance with the building code in effect in the political subdivision in which the dwelling is located, including performance, location, and power source requirements.

Section 766.0021. Smoke Detector For Hearing-impaired Persons.

(a) A purchaser under a written contract for the sale of a one-family or two-family dwelling may require the seller to install smoke detectors for hearing-impaired persons if:

(1) the purchaser or a member of the purchaser's family who will reside in the dwelling is a hearing-impaired person;

(2) the purchaser provides written evidence of the hearing impairment signed by a licensed physician; and

(3) not later than the 10th day after the effective date of the contract, the purchaser requests in writing that the seller install smoke detectors for hearing-impaired persons and specifies the locations in the dwelling where the smoke detectors are to be installed.

(b) If the seller is required to install smoke detectors for hearing-impaired persons under Subsection (a), the seller and purchaser may agree:

(1) which party will bear the cost of installing the smoke detectors; and

(2) which brand of smoke detectors to install.

(c) The seller must install the smoke detectors not later than the closing date of the sale of the dwelling.

(d) A purchaser may terminate the contract to purchase the dwelling if the seller fails to install smoke detectors for hearing-impaired persons as required by this section.

Section 766.0025. Fraternity And Sorority Houses.

(a) In this section, "fraternity or sorority house" means a dwelling that:

(1) is a separate structure and that is not a multiunit residential property composed of multiple independent residential units; and

(2) serves as living quarters for members of a fraternity or sorority.

(b) The owner of a fraternity or sorority house must have working smoke detectors installed in the fraternity house or sorority house in accordance with the smoke detector requirements of the building code in effect in the political subdivision in which the fraternity or sorority house is located, including performance, location, and power source requirements.

(1) ways to prevent fires in the home, and actions to take if a fire occurs in the home;

(2) the need to test smoke detectors every month to ensure the smoke detector is working;

(3) replacing the battery in a battery-operated smoke detector every six months;

(4) the need to have fire safety equipment in the home, including fire extinguishers and emergency escape ladders;

(5) the need to develop and practice a fire escape plan;

(6) the availability of carbon monoxide detectors;

(7) using carbon monoxide alarms as a backup to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning; and

(8) the need to properly use and maintain fossil fuel-burning appliances.

(c) The department shall distribute the information described by this section to the public in any manner the department determines is cost-effective, including providing the information on the department's Internet website and publishing informational pamphlets.